So, you want to know about elves, eh? Well, as a militia member of a town called “Elfmeet,” you can guess which side of the steak I sprinkle my salt. Doesn't mean I don't have an opinion on my friends, or that my eyes aren't open.
On the whole, an elf will live six times as long as a human. This means they're six times as patient, likely six times as practiced, and six times as pretentious and condescending, each. The friction between elves and humans is this: humans are too nearsighted, and elves are too farsighted. Humans think the world ends at the edge of their vision, and elves think the world begins there. It's a blind spot for both our races, and the wise ones figure it out. The dumb ones behave as if they have perfect vision, thank you very much, never mind this unseen thing. Unfortunately, that includes most humans, and a good number elves.
Elves are likely to all but pat you on the head; many think of humans as similar to dogs, or children, and never their equal. When humans sense this condescension, they stamp their feet and shout as the children they think us to be.
By years, we are children. Humans just happen to be quicker learners and faster adapters than elves, though less precise and certainly less wise. Neither race is exactly right, or exactly wrong, in their perceptions. What the elves neglect to remember is that both elves and humans were ripped up from Varangien and deposited in Novitas at the same time. Elves behave as if they predate humans by eons and millenia. But we've both lived on Novitas for exactly 1,596 years—hence the year 1596 NL. Though a single elf will outlive a single human by 6 times, we're exact equals in years on Novitas.
In any case, when you confront 'certain' elves with their unqualified racism, they're likely to begin a series of circular arguments, most of which can be summed up as “you're too young to know anything, so here have a cookie and calm down.” It's really quite precious. But, that's the vocal minority of elves. Most treat humans as they would want to be treated, especially if they're under 150 years old.
And, I have to give credit where it's earned. Both humans and elves have had the same 1596 years to do something with. The elves have successfully preserved the Great Forest, and made the serene utopia of Evanandra. Humans can claim credit for conflict-torn Dellin Tribelands, the war-torn civil war between Civen and Vlean, and populating most of the Freelands, another torn land. Way to go, humans!
--Ambrose Farfallen, Elfmeet Militia